Search Results for: BB Creams

Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide

Leave it to the queen of a flawless complexion to come up with the newest and greatest foundation. This newness is called Finish Flawless for a reason. Expect a lightweight texture that is so the rage right now. Technology has brought us great coverage without feeling one bit heavy.

What I like most about is is the thin fluid formula that effortlessly blurs hyper-pigmentation and redness. Those with oilier skin will also love that it is oil-free. This also makes it great for hot, summer days. The buildable coverage has a balanced finish – while advertised as “matte” I would call it more middle of the road.

Bottom line, it follows the path of BB Creams with a natural finish. I have been testing out Buff on my light to medium skin tone and I wish it was just a touch darker. But it will be perfect for the winter months. I’ve been applying with my hands but also works great with a buffing brush. I just use it only where I need it for the most natural looking finish.

My only beef is that product has a tendency to escape the tube at a high rate. I’ve tried storing upside down and nothing seems to work. But other than a little bit of product waste, it isn’t a huge problem.

In Sephora now and look for it at Laura Mercier counters next month. 24 available shades (Shell, Crème, Vanillé, Ivory, Ecru, Cashew, Linen, Macadamia, Butterscotch, Dune, Buff, Honey, Dusk, Golden, Suntan, Praline, Maple, Chai, Nutmeg, Pecan, Amber, Chestnut, Truffle, Espresso).

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Kiehl’s Micro-Blur Skin Perfector

This summer, I have been ditching heavier makeup and doing my best to go as bare as possible. I mean… we are talking bare. The past couple of weeks, I’ve been turning in my tinted moisturizers and BB creams in favor of Kiehl’s Micro-Blur Skin Perfector.

The reason this works is because of Kiehl’s gentle but effective ingredients that improves appearance of skin both immediately and down the road. Not only does Micro-Blur Skin Perfector refine skin and diminish appearance of pores upon application. It also can correct skin texture over time.

The light-weight, gel-like formula contains LHA, lentil and bark extracts that can change skin in as little as four weeks. While I haven’t been using it quite that long, I do feel like my skin is softer and smoother. I apply as the last step in my skin care routine whether I am wearing makeup or not.

No matter what your preference – as a base for something tinted or to wear alone – the Micro-Blur Skin Perfector is gentle on skin. The formula is paraben-free, dermatologist tested, non-comedogenic and appropriate for all skin types. Think of this as a way to embrace the freckles. Just apply and add a sweep of bronzer and some mascara. For extra points, I love the bare look paired with a striking orange-red lip.

Available at Kiehl’s.com and Nordstrom.

Laura Mercier ‘Matte Radiance’ Baked Powder

I have always been pleased with Laura Mercier’s baked powders – there is something confection-like about them. Not to mention, the generous amount of product in a compact makes them a great buy. So when they launched a new version that is matte, but still adds radiance, I was dead set on getting my hands on some.

With the bit of summer color I’ve already picked up, I’ve been using foundation/BB Creams with less coverage. I’ve found that a little bronzer gives me the natural look and camouflages flaws better than any heavier makeup. Plus, I don’t have to worry about a perfect match while my skin tone changes shades. (note: yes, I am wearing loads of sunscreen.. I am just prone to picking up color)

Laura Mercier ‘Matte Radiance’ Baked Powder has a natural color – not too orange or brown – and is designed to give that ‘bonne mine’ glow Laura is known for. Bonne mine means “healthy glow” in French. The matte finish is designed for just a bit of warmth without the festive shimmer that just doesn’t fit this time of year.

The Laura Mercier ‘Matte Radiance’ Baked Powder is available in five shades: four bronzes and one highlighter. I’ve been using Bronze-03 which works well on my light-medium skin tone. They shades are buildable, so I would probably be okay with Bronze-02 as well. The initial dusting is a sheer, luminous layer without any dryness. I get quite a bit of wear on this – throughout the day. And the color stays true as you wear it.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 20

My love runs oh so deep for Urban Decay NAKED Foundation. When they came out with their inevitable Beauty Balm I had to try it, with high hopes it would be as fabulous as the NAKED Foundation. Is it? Yes… and no. I have absolutely zero bad things to say about the Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm – it is just that I am using it differently than I expected.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 20 is true to its name with lots of antiaging ingredients. And the SPF is a good effort. I’m okay with SPF 20 in the winter months as long as you are largely indoors. Where this stuff shines is the lightweight, oil-free texture that has a luminescent, dreamy finish. The universal shade works well on my light-medium complexion and I think it will fit a fairly large portion of the shade range just because it is so darn sheer. The tint in the formula isn’t for coverage – it actually diffuses light with high-tech pigments to even and minimize pores, lines and redness.

The balm has a slight minty scent which I adore and packs a hydration punch. Again, I get very very sheer coverage with this. Because, right now, I prefer a little more help in the coverage department, I have used this under other BB Creams and foundations. As a primer, Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm gives a perfect, silky canvas for foundation. This will also remain in the rotation because it contains Pepha®-Protect to help inhibit DNA damage while Vitasource™ and Glyage® firm skin and improve elasticity. Down the road, I can envision wearing this on vacation, coverage be damned. I also highly recommend this for anyone who prefers very light, sheer coverage. Those with oily skin will love the oil-free properties.

I’ve been applying with Good Karma Optical Blurring Brush. I’m falling all of myself with praise for this brush. It has transformed the way I apply foundation, primers and BB Creams. You press the product into your skin for even, natural coverage.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

September’s Favorite Things

1. I can’t quit reaching for my summer bronzer – I am just not quite ready to give up that sun-kissed glow. This bronzer by the Balm has just enough umph and a balance between pink and brown. It also looks great on the lids. (available at Nordstrom)

2. This Victoria’s Secret eye kohl fits perfectly across my lids. I close my eyes around the crayon and drag it outward. This gives a thin, yet intense, jet-black line for a more smoldering eye. I can’t find it online, but it is worth checking out if they have it in the store.

3. BareMinerals Well-Rested Face & Eye Brightener is similar to the YSL Touche Eclat, but has a balanced mineral infusion of radiance. It truly energizes and awakens the eye area. It is sheer so it works on all skin tones. (available at Sephora)

4. As far as BB Creams go, 3LAB is my go-to. I love the coverage, consistency and match to my skin tone. It is on the heavier side but I find if I apply it with the included roller contraption, it goes on super even and natural looking. (available at Nordstrom)

5. I am definitely feeling the spicy, cozy scents for the fall. And this Amber is a clear, clean incarnation that has a hint of musk. (available at Amazon)

6. These hair ties are basically ingrained in my life. They are everywhere: car, bedside tables, purse, bathroom, kitchen. I love they don’t tear or break long strands and they hold up like a champ. I think I have some that around 3 or 4 years old. They even hold my long hair in a top knot (twistbands are available at Birchbox)

7. And for my NYFW “best find”: Clarins Beauty-Flash Balm. This mask/treatment is ideal for a busy day or big event. After not enough sleep, I slapped this on before a big brunch and found my skin looked hydrated, glowy and not the least bit tired. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then apply makeup. Your look will have an extra radiance. (available at Neiman Marcus)

Boscia B.B. Cream SPF 27 PA++

You know those days were you need a touch more than just sunscreen, but can’t seem to muster up the energy for a full face of makeup? I know them all too well. And boscia B.B. Cream SPF 27 PA++ has been a lifesaver for me on days like that.

BB creams, initially popular in Asia, have claimed vanity real estate stateside in a big way. And no wonder. We love multi-taskers here in America. This BB cream (or “blemish balm” – I’ve also heard “beauty balm”) is concealer, foundation and SPF all in one. It is similar to Le Métier de Beauté Peau Vierge. But boscia is a far superior color match for me than the Peau Vierge. I just don’t seem to fit any of their offered three shades. Surprising since boscia only offers one shade, but the formula seems to manage perfect color match no matter the complexion – magic!

The botanical formula is oil-free with a cream feel but thinner, liquid application. There are no parabens or fragrances. My sensitive skin loves the soothing properties. While I am usually free of acne, I’ve had a couple spots appear lately. And this has done wonders both clearing up my blemish and covering without cake-y concealer. And it definitely smooths fine lines and basically eliminates the appearance of pores. While initial application is sheer, it is easily layered. And feel free to skip sunscreen because this stuff has my preferred physical sunscreens and an SPF 27.